Awards

Celebrating social value in the private, public and third sectors

The Social Economy Awards is an opportunity to recognise organisations delivering social value and inspiring excellence within the sector. The awards not only recognise community organisations, charities, social enterprises and co-operatives but also corporate and public sector organisations delivering social value through support, advocacy and procurement from social economy organisation.

The Social Economy Awards has 9 categories that you can apply for and are split into different groups based on the types of organisations that can apply for them. For full details on the terms and conditions please click here.

1. Social Economy Group Categories

Any Social Economy Organisation including organisations that create social value by trading for a social purpose rather than personal profit, including social enterprises, trading voluntary organisations, charities with trading arms, third sector organisations delivering contracts and public services, mutuals and co-operatives, community enterprises, development trusts and other kinds of community-led organisations.

Excellence in Community Impact

An organisation that has made a significant contribution to its local community and economy

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Excellence in Creative Impact

Celebrating organisations using arts, culture, or creative practice to deliver positive change and enrich social outcomes.

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Excellence in Tech Impact

Awarding organisations harnessing technology and innovation to address social or environmental challenges.

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Excellence in Health Impact

An organisation that has made a significant impact in delivering health or social care benefits in the WMCA area.

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Excellence in Green Impact

An organisation that has made a significant positive impact on the environment and/or transition to Net Zero.

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Excellence in Youth Impact

An organisation that has made a positive difference to the lives of young people (under 25) in the WMCA area.

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2. Individual Social Economy Organisations

The following three categories are for specific social economy organisations as described in the titles. Organisations can be considered for both group 1 and group 3 categories without having to submit two separate nominations (at the end of your group 1 form select which additional category you wish to be considered in).

Start-up Enterprise of the Year

A new Social Enterprise or community business (under 2 years old) that has shown rapid growth in their business and in their social impact

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Co-operative of the Year

A Co-operative that has made a significant contribution in terms of revenue growth and/or employment and/or social impact 

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Community Business of the Year

A community-owned or led business that trades for the benefit of its local area and delivers positive social outcomes, going above and beyond in making a meaningful impact.

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Social Enterprise of the Year

A Social Enterprise that has made a significant contribution in terms of revenue growth and/or employment and/or social impact

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3. Public and Private Organisations

The following 2 categories are for corporate organisations and normal trading businesses as well as public bodies including local authorities, or a formally established organisation that is publicly funded to deliver a public or government service.

Public Sector Organisation of the Year

A public sector body that has contributed to the growth and engagement of social economy organisations in the WMCA area.

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Corporate Organisation of the Year

Any private sector organisation that has contributed to the growth and engagement of social economy organisations in the WMCA area.

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Nominations Open

21st July 2025

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Nominations Close

19th September 2025

Shortlist Revealed

1st October 2025

Awards Dinner

20th November 2025

Sponsors & Partners

Social Economy Drive is a Social Enterprise Initiative, building on 10 successful years of annual events and activities celebrating the power of social enterprise, community businesses and the social economy in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority.

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